Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition which is very common, affecting approximately 5-10% of women. This condition arises when ovulation does not occur regularly, resulting in multiple "cysts" in the ovary. These cysts are actually follicles which have not undergone regular maturation and ovulation in previous cycles. Not every woman with PCOS will have multiple cysts, but they all will exhibit certain hormonal characteristics and will have difficulty with regular ovulation.
PCOS arises primarily from a condition known as insulin resistance, when the tissues and cells in the body do not respond normally to the presence of insulin. This happens from either genetic or lifestyle and dietary factors. Insulin normally converts glucose which is in the blood into energy. In insulin resistance, the excess glucose is then taken up by the liver and converted into fat, increasing overall fatty tissue. Patients with PCOS are more prone to being overweight, however even lean patients with PCOS have insulin resistance.
In addition to effects on fat production, there are also direct effects on the ovaries. When the body is resistant to insulin, the blood sugar will rise, and the pancreas will produce even more insulin in an attempt to reduce the blood sugar. In many cases the higher amount of insulin is enough to keep the blood sugar within a normal range, however it does cause other problems. This elevated blood insulin causes the ovaries to increase production of testosterone by a large amount. High levels of testosterone slow or stop ovulation, and this is where the anovulatory cycles begin.
The elevated insulin levels also have effects on the conversion of male hormones into estrogen in the fatty tissue which causes even more trouble. High insulin levels cause testosterone to be excessively converted into estrogens which cause sensitivity of the pituitary and increases in LH. Elevated LH levels in some patients also cause increased production of testosterone. High estrogens cause negative feedback on FSH production from the pituitary, resulting in poor follicle development. And so as you can see, a very vicious cycle develops.
In some patients with the "lean" type of PCOS, some of the insulin resistance can be improved with herbal or pharmaceutical treatments to block androgens. In most patients however, the insulin resistance must be targeted directly in order to see great improvements with ovulation and fertility. This kind of treatment also gets at the cause of the condition. In patients who are in the overweight PCOS category, this is especially true.
Naturopathic Treatments
A naturopathic treatment plan can reverse PCOS and restore natural ovulation and fertility. The treatments involve acupuncture and electroacupuncture on the ovaries, and supplements which target insulin resistance at the cellular level. These supplements have been found to be as effective as metformin at reducing insulin resistance, and are without the same side effects present in the prescription drug. Side effects of metformin can include: low blood sugar symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, irritability, indigestion, headaches and nausea. Other treatments can help to reduce male hormone accumulation, and promote ovulation by enhancing the cellular health of the follicles.
Nutrition and diet is of the utmost importance, and a special naturopathic low GI diet is prescribed to ensure healthy insulin balance along with a regular exercise program. Our nutritional plans will keep your diet interesting and balance your blood sugar at the same time. Most patients will begin ovulating regularly after 3-6 months of treatment.
